The career highlight of Australian Army serviceman and Sydney Swans member Daniel Cooper reflects nothing short of a selfless heart.
As millions of Australians pay their respects on Anzac Day for those who’ve left their home country to serve in war or disaster, 27-year-old Cooper is reflecting on the 540,000 desperate Fijians for whom he once fought tooth and nail.
Fiji had just been ravaged by Tropical Cyclone Winston in February 2016, causing 44 deaths and impacting more than 60 per cent of the population.
Enter Cooper, the born and bred Cronulla local in Sydney’s south who’d join a large contingent of Australian Army personnel in carrying out humanitarian aid.
Cooper, who’s currently serving the Australian Army in a six-month deployment to Afghanistan, says service is at the core of the ANZAC spirit.
“Anzac Day to me is a day of reflection and remembrance: reflection and remembrance of the brave soldiers, sailors and airmen and airwomen who previously served, and continue to serve our country,” Cooper said.
“It commemorates those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard the freedom we appreciate today. Anzac Day to me is an opportunity to be proud of our servicemen and servicewomen, and to celebrate our national spirit.”
Cooper is now serving in Afghanistan as a Ground Logistics Advisor, a role which sees him train the Australian Army’s Afghan counterparts as they build their own defence force.
He is one of roughly 300 Australian personnel contributing to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission under Task Group Afghanistan.
The wholehearted Swans supporter says the never-say-die spirit of past ANZACs fuels his drive during the challenging times.
“While deployed, I often reflect on the courage and perseverance that the ANZACs showed during previous conflicts,” Cooper said.
“During the tough times I face on deployment away from my family and friends, a reminder of the extremely tough conditions our ANZACs faced is great motivation to show resilience and realise how lucky we really are."
Even as Cooper is serving almost 10,000 kilometres away in Afghanistan, he’s doing his best to keep a close eye on the fortunes of his beloved Swans.
The Sydneysider, whose favourite Swans player is Luke Parker because of his “passion and heart”, has followed the red and white since he was a little kid.
“Being raised in Sydney back then, there really wasn’t any other AFL team to support than the Swans,” Cooper said.
“My family still live in Sydney, so when I am in town, I love nothing more than a trip to the SCG to watch the ‘Swannies’ go round.
“Of recent note, the last Swans game I attended was Round 20 last season, where we beat the Pies by two points. Tommy McCartin kicked a goal with about 90 seconds to go to put us in front, and it was just incredible to be there on the night.”
The Swans and Giants will recognise Australian Army personnel of Cooper’s ilk during a minute’s silence ahead of Sydney Derby XVII at the SCG on Saturday night.
The Sydney Swans Football Club also delivered Cooper a Swans guernsey signed by the entire 2019 squad.
For as Sydney coach John Longmire told media on Anzac Day Eve, “we understand what our soldiers have done for our country”.
